An incredible but true account of achieving one of the most awe-inspiring midlife physical transformations ever

In October 2006, the night before he was to turn forty, Rich experienced a chilling glimpse of his future. Nearly fifty pounds overweight and unable to climb the stairs without stopping, he saw where his sedentary lifestyle was taking him. Most of us look the other way when granted such a moment of clarity, but not Rich.

Fat Man to Green Man: From Unfit to Ultramarathon

Despite believing he was bionic as a child, Ira Rainey was far from an elite athlete with superhuman running abilities like the ones he read about in books. He was in fact an overweight and unfit slacker who felt a bit sorry for himself because he had sore feet. Sure he ran a bit, but he also sat around a lot and ate and drank too much. Why? Because he could, and because he was a delusional optimist who thought everything would always be just fine.

Running Man: A Memoir

After a decade-long addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol, Charlie Engle hit bottom with a near-fatal six-day binge that ended in a hail of bullets. As Engle got sober, he turned to running, which became his lifeline, his pastime, and his salvation. He began with marathons, and when marathons weren't far enough he began to take on ultramarathons, races that went for 35, 50, and sometimes hundreds of miles, traveling to some of the most unforgiving places on earth to race.

Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and, most of all, pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world's greatest distance runners and learn their secrets - and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.

Running with the Kenyans

After years of watching Kenyan athletes win the world's biggest races, Adharanand Finn set out to discover just what it was that made them so fast - and to see if he could keep up. Packing up his life he moved from Devon to Iten, in Kenya, to eat with, interview, sleep beside and - most importantly - run with, some of the greatest runners in the world. In the distance rests his dream, to join the best of the Kenyan athletes in an epic first marathon across the Kenyan plains.

Natural Born Heroes

When Chris McDougall stumbled across the story of Churchill's 'dirty tricksters', a motley crew of English poets and academics who helped resist the Nazi invasion of Crete, he knew he was on the track of something special. To beat the odds, the tricksters - starving, aging, outnumbered - tapped in to an ancient style of fitness: the lost art of heroism.

M. E. Gideon says:"Good as a story for inspiration but not for learning"

Don't Stop Me Now: 26.2 Tales of a Runner's Obsession

Funny, inspiring, honest - the perfect listen for anyone with well-worn trainers by the door (or who's thinking of buying a pair...). Vassos Alexander shares the highs and lows of falling in love with running, from his first paltry efforts to reach the end of his street to completing ultra-marathons and triathlons in the same weekend. This is a celebration of running - and what lots of us think about when we run. Part escape, part self-discovery, part therapy, part weight loss.

The Way of the Runner

A journey into Japan's fabled running culture from the award-winning author of Running with the Kenyans. Welcome to Japan, the most running-obsessed nation on earth, a place where a 135-mile relay race is the country's biggest annual sporting event. Thousands of professional runners compete for corporate teams in some of the most competitive races in the world. Marathon monks run a thousand marathons in a thousand days to reach spiritual enlightenment.

Primal Endurance: Escape Chronic Cardio and Carbohydrate Dependency, and Become a Fat-Burning Beast!

Primal Endurance shakes up the status quo and challenges the overly stressful, ineffective conventional approach to endurance training. While marathons and triathlons are wildly popular and bring much gratification and camaraderie to the participants, the majority of athletes are too slow, continually tired, and carry too much body fat respective to the time they devote to training. The prevailing "chronic cardio" approach promotes carbohydrate dependency, overly stressful lifestyle patterns, and ultimately burnout.

The Ultra Mindset

Travis Macy has summited glacial peaks in the French Alps, rappelled into limestone caves in China, and raced through parched deserts in Utah. In 2013 he famously won the Leadman Series, a combination of nearly 300 miles of high-altitude trail running and mountain biking over the course of five epic endurance races. Macy achieved all of these victories without elite professional training or even exceptional strength, speed, or flexibility.

A Life Without Limits

The amazing life story of Britain's world conquering triathlete, Chrissie Wellington. Chrissie Wellington is the world's No 1 female Ironman triathlete, the current quadruple World Champion and World Record holder. In 2009 she was voted 'Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year' and in 2010 was awarded the MBE. She is the undefeated champion of Triathlon, having won nine Ironman titles from nine races.

The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultrarunning Greatness

One year after her astonishing victory at the Badwater Ultramarathon, Pam Reed again made distance running history when she braved the hottest weather in years - 135 degrees - to successfully defend her title. How does this 100-pound mother and stepmother of five muster the endurance and courage for the 28-hour climb from the hottest desert floor on Earth to the shadow of the continental United States' tallest point?

I'm Here to Win: A World Champion's Advice for Peak Performance

As the winner of the 2010 Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii, Chris "Macca" McCormack may be the world's greatest athlete. In I'm Here to Win, McCormack shares his story along with training tips and practical advice to help listeners develop their own routines, diet, exercise programs and race strategies. Chris McCormack has dedicated his life to training for - and winning - the Ironman World Championships, one of the most grueling tests of mental and physical endurance in the world.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

In 1982 Murakami began running to keep fit. Here he reflects on his running experiences. Equal parts travelogue, training log, and reminiscence, this revealing memoir covers his preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon. By turns funny and sobering, playful and philosophical, this is a must-listen for fans of this masterful author and for the increasing number of people who find a similar satisfaction in running.

1:59: The Sub-Two-Hour Marathon Is Within Reach - Here's How It Will Go Down, and What It Can Teach All Runners About Training and Racing

What will it take to run a marathon in less than two hours? The world's fastest times for the marathon have been dropping since the distance of 26.2 miles was made official nearly one hundred years ago. But after a noticeable decline that occurred for a half century, the times, while still edging lower, have stalled several minutes north of two hours for the past decade. For the first time, 1:59 examines what it will take for an elite distance runner to go subtwo hours.

Beyond Training: Mastering Endurance, Health, & Life

Beyond Training is for men and women who have made it out of couch potato mode and are ready to take things to the next level, whether that means shedding those last few extra pounds, finishing a 5K, or even crossing the finish line of an Ironman triathlon. Everyone from the casual exerciser to the weightlifter, CrossFitter, obstacle racer, marathoner, mountaineer, triathlete, swimmer, cyclist, runner, and biohacker will glean tons of knowledge and life-changing advice from this book.

Cycling the Earth: A Life-Changing Race Around the World

Sean Conway was stuck in a dead end life of his own making when he heard about a round-the-world cycling race. He was immediately inspired - but it was a huge undertaking, and he'd hardly been on a bike in years. Could he really cycle all the way round the world, solo and unsupported? Six months later, after completing a punishing training schedule and packing up everything he owned into boxes, Sean was in Greenwich Park, on the start line of the adventure of a lifetime.

Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen, and the Greatest Race Ever Run

The 1989 Ironman World Championship was the greatest race ever in endurance sports. In a spectacular duel that became known as the Iron War, the world's two strongest athletes raced side by side at world-record pace for a grueling 139 miles. Driven by one of the fiercest rivalries in triathlon, Dave Scott and Mark Allen raced shoulder to shoulder through Ironman's 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike race, and 26.2-mile marathon. After 8 punishing hours, both men would demolish the previous record - and cross the finish line a mere 58 seconds apart.

How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Pshchology of Mind over Muscle

The greatest athletic performances spring from the mind, not the body. Elite athletes have known this for decades, and now science is learning why it's true. In his fascinating new book, How Bad Do You Want It?, coach Matt Fitzgerald examines more than a dozen pivotal races to discover the surprising ways elite athletes strengthen their mental toughness.

Out There: A Story of Ultra Recovery

David Clark went from the rock bottom of bankruptcy, addiction, and obesity to becoming an accomplished athlete. In this compelling story of his life, he not only shares his journey with complete honesty, but he also lays out a blueprint for change that anyone can use to redefine what is possible.

Runner's World Complete Book of Running: Everything You Need to Run for Weight Loss, Fitness, and Competition

The sport of running is ever changing, be it the shoes we wear or the goals we set, the training methods we use or the role models we emulate. But there is one constant: For 40 years, Runner's World magazine has been recognized worldwide as the leading authority on running. Now the collective wisdom of the most savvy running writers, coaches, and editors can be found in Runner's World Complete Book of Running.

Run the World: My 3,500-Mile Journey Through Running Cultures Around the Globe

From elite marathoner and Olympic hopeful Becky Wade comes the story of her yearlong exploration of diverse global running communities from England to Ethiopia - nine countries, 72 host families, and over 3,500 miles of running - investigating unique cultural approaches to the sport and revealing the secrets to the success of runners all over the world.

Two Hours: The Quest to Run the Impossible Marathon

The marathon tethers runners to their own personal narratives. It is a question of how you grow. Nothing but your own body will get you through; everything you have done in your life until the moment you cross the finishing line is connected to the effort. Two hours to cover 26 miles and 385 yards. It is running's Everest, a feat once seen as impossible for the human body. But now we can glimpse the mountaintop.

Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition

In The China Study, T. Colin Campbell revolutionized the way we think about our food with the evidence that a whole food, plant-based diet is the healthiest way to eat. Now, in Whole, he explains the science behind that evidence, the ways our current scientific paradigm ignores the fascinating complexity of the human body, and why, if we have such overwhelming evidence that everything we think we know about nutrition is wrong, our eating habits haven't changed.

Publisher's Summary

A dominant force in the sport of ultrarunning, Scott Jurek is a seven-time winner of the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run and a two-time winner of the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon through Death Valley. Eat & Run offers an inspirational account of Jurek's life as a runner and vegan. Regaling listeners with jaw-dropping tales of endurance, Jurek also delivers sound science and practical advice-as well as his favorite plant-based recipes.

I really enjoyed this book. It's great to hear what an ultra marathon runner must endure to become one of the top runners in the world. It's very inspirational and will get you out running (maybe not 135mile ultras) a big part of Scott's life is his vegan diet which he does talk about a lot but to be fair it's not too preachy as sometimes people can be over lifestyle changes. It a good book written well with good humour.

Scott is pretty amazing for an ordinary guy. But he is mad and crazy. I yearn to run more and follow a vegan lifestyle but it's too hard for me to maintain with a whole normal life to lead. Well told and inspiring - thank you Scott!

Like others, I came to this book via Born to Run. The change in style was pretty abrupt. Jurek's story is about grit and endurance from the "wrong side of the tracks" start. I don't know whether he himself has a light touch, but the narrator certainly doesn't. He reads in a hard, downbeat, dour way that's distinctive and maybe even appropriate, but not enjoyable.

Still, it's a story well worth hearing - just way less enjoyable than the ebullient Born to Run.

Don't really know why I got this...in the words of the book's mantra 'sometimes you just do things'. On the one hand this book is extremely ego-driven and some may find this too much. On the other hand, this book managed to keep me completely rivetted for the duration. If ever you need to understand what 'endurance' means then look no further, this book totally defines the word. The reading is exceptional...and to be honest I was just a tad upset when I later found out that it wasn't Scott himself. I'm not a runner and I'm not a vegan....having listened to this I feel compelled to at least seriously consider both. Intelligent, inspiring and honest...although just that little bit too long.

I really enjoyed listening to this while running. It's much more of an autobiography than I though from the title. There is, of course, quite a bit of info about Jurek's own eating (and running) but its not a tub-thumping "my way or the highway" tome.

Great context and in-depth look at one of the stars of Born to Run. Very much enjoyed the nutritional insights.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Quincy Dunn-Baker?

Someone who wasn't so abrasive in his reading style. Sometimes I felt like the reader made Scott seem like an angry guy with a big chip on his shoulder...very different from the spiritual vegan discussions at the end of each chapter. It was a little jarring.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Heidi

Napa, CA, United States

25/07/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"If you liked "Born to Run"...get this book!!!"

It is a real person with a real life story. It isnt all happy endings and wonderful times. Scott has an amazing drive, and strong need to run, but we see that he is just a human too. So there is bad, good, and even harsh. I laughed out loud quite a few times, and cried quite a few as well, but I felt as though I was on the journey with him. I have even more respect for him after this book than I did after "Born to Run", which is where I learned about Scott. I have followed Scott since I read that book, and have enjoyed his career, and I find him very inspirational.

I was amazed by his candor, and ability to talk about some of the personal things he covers. It truly makes me ADMIRE him all the more.

If you liked "Born to Run", you will like this book. Please remember it is a personal memoir, not a bunch of different people's stories as in BtR. Although you do get to meet all of those characters from Scott's point of view.

I highly recommend this book!!!

OH...one more thing...Alot of the vegan receipts at the end are great!!! I went out and bought the hard copy for a cook book!!!

22 of 24 people found this review helpful

Cynthia

OCEANSIDE, CA, United States

27/02/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"great even for non-runners"

What did you love best about Eat and Run?

I love everything about it, but especially the tips at the end of each chapter.

What other book might you compare Eat and Run to and why?

Barbara Kingsolver's 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle' As they both blend food consciousness with life stories.

What about Quincy Dunn-Baker’s performance did you like?

He was funny, the inflections were all right on.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

We laughed a lot, cried a little. I read it partially on my long run days...his story makes you unable to give up at like mile while he is running 100, and partially on a family road trip- everyone liked it.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Ursula

Istanbul, Turkey

11/02/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great next step after "Born to Run""

This is a wonderful book, a very personal account of life and running by Scott Jurek. Having read Born to Run I was keen to know more about what running, and what something as extreme as an ultramarathon meant to those who participated and were passionate. Scott gives an intimate account of what running has brought him, how the physical challenge stretched his mind and touched his soul, this I really appreciated. He also gives plenty of practical information; running tips, training guidance and then his food philosophy and recipes making for a very wholesome read. Highly recommended! The only aspect that I found a little jarring was the narrator, it took me time to adapt to his narration, which at times I found quite aggressive. Having said this it was not a poor performance and just took some getting used to.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Andy

Westport, CT, United States

16/09/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"one of the better ultramarathon books"

most people looking at this book have likely read dean karnazes "ultramarathon man" or one of his other books. while dean makes himself sound like a tough guy, he's no match for scott jurek.

the story of how scott started in the sport, changed his diet, went through a spiritual journey and made it all the way to the top is truly remarkable. if you're a marathoner but looking to up your game or take on a new challenge, this one will really open your mind.

16 of 18 people found this review helpful

Todd

08/05/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"This book changed my life"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Scott Jurek is a highly competitive endurance athlete who also comes across as transparent, humble, and helpful. His story is interesting, and some of the training and nutritional ideas have helped me dramatically. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Tom

Macquarie Hills, Australia

30/10/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Sometimes you just got to do stuff!"

I go it. I liked it, and I'll listen to it again. Felt very real, the childhood stories, the hard training yards, the focus, the competitiveness, the ups and downs and so on. Very listenable.

It was very worthwhile to hear a success story based on hard consistent work.

But, whatever happened to Dusty? I'd like to read that as a sequel!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Jean

Chateauguay, Quebec, Canada

14/07/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Long awaited and very satisfactory book"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you're a runner, you've probably heard of Scott Jurek by reading Born to Run. While not a sequel to McDougall's book in any way, Jurek's book takes you closer to the real thing by letting you know how it feels from an actual ultra runner's pespective. It is well written, full of interesting stories, technical tips and a very good read (listen) altogheter.

What did you like best about this story?

Scott Jurek is an exceptionnal athlete. Yet, he is so honest and down to earth that I could relate with his stories, even tough I only am a "normal" marathonner. The stories make you want to push yourself beyond your limits - if only to find out how far you can go. I know it did help me run farther and better.

What does Quincy Dunn-Baker bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration is quite good. I'm not sure why Jurek did not decide to read it himself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a book I listened to while running. I really recommend it! I couldnt stop which help me keep going on longer runs.

Any additional comments?

Of course, some of the stuff here you've already heard before. With Born to Run and Dean Karnases' books, a lot has been said about Ultras. Yet, Scott Jurek's take on the subject is as unique as his talent. I really recommend you pick it up.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

TM

Chicago, IL United States

24/09/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Pretty Good - Runners Will Love It"

Any additional comments?

I have been dabbling in trail running and would love to be be fit enough to try endurance running, so there were quite a few useful tips on running style, diet and so on.

But the if you've read "Born to Run" there really is no comparison.

This book is more of a one-note auto-biography and whilst I respect Jurek for his amazing athletic accomplishments and for being a great ambassador for ultra-running, his story is interesting, but not thrilling.

Worth the listen for fans of Jurek and running.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Eran Gal

19/05/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Inspiring and Informative"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It is a great read if you are into running and taking care of your body. Even if you are not extreme like Jurek (an I am certainly not) there is a lot that can be learned from this book and from this person.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could not wait for my next run so that I can put on my earphones and continue listening...

Any additional comments?

The narration did not seem to convey Jurek's attitude. I felt a dissonance between the tone of the narrator which is often rough and the text which though without self-pity, doesn't seem to have that roughness.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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